One Sweet World

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After seeing and hearing the pile driver’s return outside of my window this morning, the idea of attending this hearing began to sound more appealing!  Seriously, did someone tell them that my only day off is Wednesday (aka the only day I can sleep in). 

Thanks Magic!

Here’s just a clip of the entertainment that was being enjoyed by all that were taking advantage of the glorious weather in Union Square on Sunday.  I have to say that he was pretty funny, even though, quite annoying at the same time.  But you have to give the guy his kudos for trying to advertise his business.  Yes, this is marketing and advertising at it’s finest.  While he was busy dancing around (i mean exercising?) and singing (terribly, at that), his friends were busy passing out flyers.  Apparently, this was a demonstration of “Nottekure,” which claims to be tremendous exercise for mind, body and soul!  Although I couldn’t find any more information about this practice when “googling” it…the flyer explains that “Nottekure is a type of karate set to pulsating sounds and beats that will flow through your mind and body, perfect for anyone who desires to achieve more in life.”

And then he started again, this time with “Dancing Queen” pulsing from his boombox…

Where do I sign up?

Ahhh….gotta love New York!

Once again another week has flown by.  How that happens, still not sure.  So I figured I would do a “week in review”.  Highlighting some of the more interesting and important happenings.

First, I want to acknowledge and pay my respects to the many tragedies of the week, especially the horrific events that took place at Virginia Tech.  Which has again reminded me of how fragile life is and forced me to reevaluate my own place in this world.  These poor victims were snuffed out in the prime of their lives, with nothing but a bright future in front of them.  May God bless their souls.

On a much lighter note…I happened to have what was probably the best meal that I’ve had since living in New York (at least in the top 3).  And what made this meal even sweeter was the fact that it was at a restaurant, The Queen’s Hideaway, at the end of my block.  But the best part was actually the food, which you choose from off of a hand-written menu that changes each night. 

After luckily snagging a table before the reservation crowd came in, we were welcomed with a bowl of amazingly, tasty boiled peanuts.  Yep, boiled peanuts.  Beautifully seasoned with a hint of heat (cajun-esque).  However, they were nothing like the ones of my childhood memories.  Which were usually found in a can in the hand of my neighbor playmate.  Terribly unappealing.  The guy sitting next to us said it best, “…this is when you realize that a peanut is not simply a nut but a legume.”  Indeed.  But that was just to tie us over before our plate of hushpuppies arrived.  It’s been much too long since I’ve had hushpuppies, which are a staple accompaniment with fried seafood in the south.  Nothing like some fried goodness! 

Our entrees of salisbury steak in calvados/creme fraiche sauce with mixed shitakes and grilled asparagus piled on top of a popover soon followed.  Completely heavenly!  I don’t think I let my fork rest for a second, and I hardly remember even coming up for air, except to rejoice in my reluctant decision to have the same thing Victor was having.  We usually try to each have something different (especially in a new restaurant) in order to get a sampling of the menu.  However, I knew I was not going to be satisfied with just a bite or two of his dish…I needed my own.  But as we sat and waited for our entrees to arrive, I began seeing the personal tart with tender confit chicken (#3 on the menu) pop up all around me and started to second guess myself.  Quickly my mind was set to ease as I took that first bite and was immediately convinced that I had made the right choice.  This, again, was not the salisbury steak of my southern childhood roots.  To be honest, I’ve never eaten it before because it was so uninviting as a kid (especially when served in the school cafeteria). 

To round out the meal, I just had to finish with some more fried (sweet) goodness - the beignets.  Although they weren’t really anything special or probably worth the fat and calories, how bad could fried dough with sugar and cinnamon actually be?  All of this (a fantastically, southern-influenced meal) in a cute, quaint restaurant located only a hop, skip and a jump from home!

Speaking of home, Amai Tea & Bake House has officially gotten a new home.  You can read more about it and see a picture of it at Lovescool.  After the crazy day we had at the kitchen in Long Island City (Queens) today…I’m counting down the days!

I didn’t get many days of running in this week due to the Nor’easter that rolled in last weekend and hung out all week.  However, I did manage to get 3 in a row last week and squeezed one in on Thursday in between the rain.  Slowly but surely, covering more ground.  The weather is playing in my favor for the upcoming week…so I hope to take full advantage of it.  Here’s an updated map.

Today, I received my Easter care package from my mom (and dad, by default).  My mother is the sweetest, both literally and figuratively, as you can see by the photo.  She’s so nice to send all of this (individually wrapped) candy to us and also include 2 toothbrushes and a lecture about going to the dentist.  For those of you who didn’t quite believe me when I said that I’m pretty sure I came out of the womb eating sugar…here’s your proof!  There was a lot of other wonderful treats in there as well, but I thought this was classic Judy (mom) - candy and toothbrushes.  Thanks again Mom and Dad!

Well, that pretty much sums up the week without more talk of “green” this and that, which is how I spend most of my nights - reading and researching.   But don’t you fret, I’ll be back on Sunday to celebrate EARTH DAY with some more green goodness!  Until then, review the Green List and my other green posts to see what changes are left to be made in your daily life and resolve to do better beginning this Sunday.  And if you want an interesting read from a global-warming skeptic, check out Steve Forbes (Forbes magazine) thoughts on Al Gore and this theory of An Inconvenient Truth or as he puts it - “An Astounding Fantasy”.  (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)  It still boggles my mind that there are people who actually deny that this is happening.

I think that’s it folks….

So, I have spent the ENTIRE day (seriously) attached to this silly computer, being dragged from one eco-friendly website to another.  I am completely addicted.  And somehow cannot pull myself away, except for making us some wonderful little Almond Cakes to go with our coffee/tea this morning (more like afternoon), which were absolutely delightful!  I just continue to learn more and more and can’t stop.  Realizing very quickly how much there really is to this whole concept of green living.   Over the course of the day, I have discovered some really great websites and blogs that are devoted to this subject alone. 

I probably should have spent part of the day participating with The Sea of People in the Step It Up 2007  rally taking place in the city.  However, as much as I wanted to, I just couldn’t convince myself to go stand in a “sea of people” on my one day off.  After living in this city for a few years, my inclination to hang out with crowds of people is dwindling (which is sort of a shame, I think).  So, I did the next best thing…stayed in and continued to educate myself on the importance of living and thinking globally…hoping to do my part by passing along this newly gained knowledge on to the loyal readers of One Sweet World.

The message of today’s rally is to draw the attention of the leaders in this country to help make a change and stop global warming.  The word leaders to me means any of America’s powerful people, whether in the political or business sector.  Businesses (public and private) have just as much influence and clout in this country as political parties.  In the end, it’s all tied together.  Therefore, we need to push for change in public policy, as well as, business practices.  Hell, I still work for a company who doesn’t even recycle…which I have been (and still am) trying to change.  This should not even be an option at this point in time.  It should be mandatory.  Business of all shapes and sizes should be held responsible for their impact on this earth.  Period.  But I’m going to stop there before I get up on my soapbox!

This marathon reading day started pretty much after I decided to catch up on what was happening with No Impact Man, which I heard had been on the Colbert Report  this week.  How cool!  From there, it just kind of spun out-of-control…leading me on a wild goose chase around the net.

Besides recommending that you go check out No Impact Man  (if you haven’t already), I would also take a minute to check out Green as a Thistle.  Vanessa, the author, is making one environmentally friendly change a day over the next year…pretty great idea!  So, after reading through her list thus far, I decided to take a tally of what I have personally done and am doing to change my impact.  I have taken her list and posted it below, making note of where I stand, which I have written in green.  All of the points highlighted in yellow reflect changes that I still need to make.  This is a good way to see how you measure up.  I encourage you to test yourself, recognize what changes need to be made and check back often to see what new ideas she has.  I’m going to keep this list running on a separate page, in order to update changes that I’m making and continue to add new ones. 

GREEN LISTED

Here’s a running tally of all the green changes I’ve made so far:

1. Switching to 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels – JUST REALIZED I HAVEN’T
2. Giving up my electric heating pad – N/A
3. Banning all styrofoam (no excuse for delivery or take-out, either) – TRY TO AVOID
4. Switching to Preserve recycled toothbrush
5. Turning down my thermostat – CHECK! (Victor always complains that it’s cold!)
6. No more bottled water (only tap water, using Nalgene/stainless steel bottles) – HALF WAY THERE…REUSE…REUSE…REUSE WITH TAP WATER & THEN RECYCLE ALL BOTTLES
7. Switching to organic conditioner
8. Switching from disposable tape-based lint rollers to classic felt ones – CAN’T SAY I EVER USE ONE
9. Eating ‘locally’ (within Canada and the U.S., restaurants and alcohol not yet included) – WORKING ON…NEED TO DO BETTER!
10. Making all my bills electronic only. – CHECK!
11. Checking tire pressure on my car. – DON’T HAVE A CAR!
12. Not buying a microwave (yes, disputable, see the post for comments) – DON’T HAVE ONE OF THOSE EITHER.
13. Switching to all-natural, biodegradable handwash with recyclable container – MADE THE SWITCH TO MR. BRONNER’S
14. Switching to non-toxic, phosphate-free dishwasher detergent – DON’T HAVE A DISHWASHER, BUT HAVE CHANGED TO ECOVER DISH SOAP.
15. Running outside only (no treadmill) – CLEARLY, SEE RUNNING ENDEAVOR.  I DO WORK IN A GYM, BUT HAVE ONLY BEEN USING THE ROWER (SELF-POWERED)!
16. Using tote bags, no more plastic bags – REALLY TRYING.  REFUSE PLASTIC BAGS ALL OF THE TIME!
17. Switching to 100% recycled toilet paper – CHECK!  (Victor & I actually had bit of a discussion about this last week in the grocery store…I WON!) 
18. Cancelling my cable, using TV only for watching movies – THAT MAY NOT BE HAPPENING ANY TIME SOON.  I SPENT 3 YEARS WITHOUT TV AND CABLE…DOES THAT COUNT?
19. Switching to corn-based, biodegradable cat litter – WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT!!
20. Giving up disposable tissues, using only handkerchiefs - USE TOILET PAPER, BUT SHOULD WORK ON THIS!
21. Using only all-natural, organic body lotions
22. Permanently getting rid of any aerosol cans at home
23. Changing over to all-natural glass and surface cleaner
24. Signing up with my local Freecycle Network, making my first exchange
25. Making sure all the lights are turned off before I leave home – CHECK!  I’VE BEEN AWARE OF THIS SINCE I WAS A KID…THANKS POP!
26. Switching to 100% natural body wash
27. Using chemical-free, reusable cloth static-cling sheets in the dryer – RARELY USE DRYER SHEETS
28. Unplugging all appliances, equipment, chargers, wall warts etc. that aren’t in use – CHECK!  HAVE BECOME A BIT OCD ABOUT THIS!
29. Refusing to use any disposable plastic cutlery or plates – TRYING REALLY HARD
30. Not driving my car on weekends – AGAIN, NO CAR!
31. Putting away my humidifier for good to save water and electricity – N/A
32. Only using a thermos for take-out coffee and tea – TAKE COFFEE IN A THERMOS TO WORK EVERYDAY…AND EVEN REUSE (YES, REUSE) TO-GO CUPS IF I HAVE TO BUY COFFEE
33. No more gift wrap, other than newspaper or magazines from around the house – HARDLY EVER NEED…BUT WILL MAKE A SWITCH WHEN NECESSARY
34. Changing all my light bulbs to CFLs – CHANGING ONE AT A TIME
35. Switching to Eco-Dent floss, which comes in a recyclable paper box
36. Only drinking fair-trade, organic (and locally roasted/distributed, if possible) coffee – HAVE BEEN FOR OVER A YEAR!
37. Using only beeswax candles; or soy-based, as long as there’s no paraffin in them – NOT A BIG CANDLE PERSON
38. Returning my wine bottles to the Beer Store for a deposit so they’re recycled properly – WE JUST DON’T DRINK MUCH ANYMORE…BUT WHEN WE DO…WE ALWAYS RECYCLE!
39. Switching to all-natural toothpaste
40. Changing over to a natural laundry detergent – CHECK!  MADE THE SWITCH LAST WEEK
41. Eating only free-range, organic, hormone-free (and if possible local) meat, restricting my intake of beef and chicken to no more than once per week
42. Not buying any more petroleum-based bath poufs and loufas – N/A
43. Signing up at GreenDimes.com to block junk mail and plant a tree every month
44. Being conscientious about how much water I use; only turning on the taps at a “trickle” when washing hands or brushing teeth and keeping showers to five minutes – CHECK!  ANOTHER THING THAT HAS BECOME A BIT OCD!  EVEN MADE SURE WE HAVE A “LOW-FLOW” SHOWERHEAD!

“If we don’t change the direction we’re going, we’re likely to end up where we are headed.”
— Chinese Proverb

While out on my run today, I came up behind a gentlemen who resembled a well-known CNN news personality.  As I breezed by him on the sidewalk, I swung my head around to see if I was right.  Yep, I’ll be damned if it wasn’t Anderson Cooper!  You know, as in Anderson Cooper 360.  It’s kind of hard not to notice him with his signature head of white hair.  I smiled and continued on but not without turning back a few more times to revel in the moment. 

[I don't really get "star-struck;" however, I have to admit it makes me a lil' giddy on the inside whenever I do happen to have a celebrity run in.  Which I am happy to say has happened a few times since I've lived here.  I've had the pleasure of running into Keanu Reeves (ok, be nice), Sarah McLachlan and Ethan Hawke.  Just to name a few of the more famous ones.]  

But just as I was riding that momentary high, I must not have been paying too close of attention…and somehow wound up running down the FDR with no easy way out.  Only a 30 foot wall to my right, 8 lanes of fast-moving traffic and the East River to my left, and a narrowing shoulder in front me.  I kept going hoping that there would be an entrance back to safety…no such luck.  So, I had to turn around and run like hell back to where I started.  I began to have flashbacks to a moment that I would rather forget.  

I was riding my bike in the city one beautiful summer afternoon when I decided to take the Brooklyn Bridge back home.  Somehow missing the entrance to the footbridge (pedestrian/biker crossing), I ended up in the middle of 5 lanes of traffic.  My heart began racing, and as I pedaled like a bat outta hell, the roar of honking horns and swearing drivers was almost enough to make me pedal right off into the river.  I was pedaling so fast that I thought my legs were gonna rip right off, and my heart was going to pound out of my chest.  The echo of one of the drivers still haunts me to this day, “YOU’RE GONNA GET KILLED…WHAT ARE YOU? CRAZY!”  Probably, but I know I’ll never make that mistake again…

Ahhh…good times.

Well, the neighborhood, it is a changin’.  Here’s the big news making headlines in Greenpoint today:

We’ve finally arrived, right?  Well, not exactly.  Just as we were beginning to see hip, little cafes emerging around the ‘hood…the big boys rolled in with guns blazin’.  (Ok…a little dramatic, I know.)  As much as I love free enterprise, competition and employment opportunities; I also have grown a bit fond of our little Polish community over the past 3 years.  I love being drawn into Bakery Rzeszowska by the wonderful smells of beautiful danishes, pastries and bread…and only being able to point at what I want because I don’t speak a lick of Polish (besides my last name).  And I also love the fact that I can purchase one of those lovely handmade poppyseed rollsfor the price (or cheaper) of what a coffee costs at Starbucks.  That’s what makes (made) Greenpoint such a wacky, yet special place to live.  But it’s here to stay.  And we know it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.  Hell, even Magic Johnson thinks it’s the next thing.

I admit, although I’m not too much of a Starbucks fan, I did stop in today.  I figured it was my duty after having watched this little community grow and change over the past few years.  But it will probably be a long time before I visit again.

PROGRAMMING NOTE:  While we’re on the subject of coffee, I really want to urge all of you to tune into PBS for the premier of an amazing documentary/independent film, Black Gold.  Victor and I saw it last year when it was passing through New York.  It is a poignant look at how every decision we make as consumers and humans affects another.  I could only hope that it changes the way you look at what’s in your cup every morning, as well as, reevaluate your purchasing power.  We have the power to change the lives of so many people, if only we made wiser decisions about what we buy.  I’m definitely going to talk more about Fair Trade products, especially coffee, in the days to come; however, I really wanted to make y’all aware of this film.  Please check on the site for times and channels.  I know it’s going to be on late here…so, if you have to…TiVo or record (in my case) or just stay up and watch!  It’s worth it.

After a really long and self-torturous 2006, I finally feel like I’m hitting my stride (literally and figuratively) again.  And it feels good.  As I was out on a run last week, it dawned on me that I was experiencing the oh-so-talked-about “mind, body, soul” connection.  A term that seems to be used when referring to a number of things in life.  Especially where meditation, yoga and zen are involved.  But are there other ways to experience this connection?  I think so.  Like everything else, it’s unique to each of us.  We seek solace and spiritual enlightenment in different places.  Alot of times, we don’t even realize that these outlets are part of a bigger picture, which are leading us closer to that moment of peace and harmony.

During that run, I felt like I was well on my way to reaching that ever elusive feeling.  Like after months of personal struggles…I was somehow pulling myself out…one step at a time.  And I simply can’t express it in words.  It was fantastic!  For the first time in over year, my mind is in constant motion with wonderful ideas and passions…my body is growing stronger and moving me closer to my goals…which in turn has led to a lighter and happier soul.  If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was actually glowing at that moment.  My smile couldn’t have gotten any bigger.  Even as I reflect back on that beautiful Spring-like day last week, I find myself giddy with joy and rejuvenation!  

Unfortunately though, reality comes back banging on our door just as quickly as we shut it out.  But what I realized is that each time that I go back to answer…I’m stronger and more prepared for whatever awaits me.  That’s why it is critical to have a strong balance between your mind, body and soul.  When one is broken, it’s almost impossible to face our daily challenges head on.  Now, I can look back at 2006 and see exactly how I had become so disconnected.  My mind was in a bad place, I stopped running, and in turn, my soul was heavy with anxiety, confusion, insecurity and discontent. 

I wish that I could say that all of those feelings have just magically disappeared, but hey, this is real life.  But I can say that I feel 110% better about my place in this world.  I’m still confused and a bit discontent, with moments of anxiety (no longer days)…but I can think clearer, and I have HOPE once again.  I have lots of HOPE for this world, and a renewed sense of direction. 

All of this during an afternoon run in the city!  Go figure.  Who knew that this crazy new year’s resolution was going to lead to this?  That’s the best part.    

So, here’s a most recent map of my journeys through the city.  The blue represents streets covered in April.  I’m hoping that winter is almost over, it’s getting harder and harder to talk myself into going out in the cold.  But I did today…and it was totally worth it! 

(I know this image has made it’s way through years of email circles…but it’s still cute!) 

Wishing everyone, especially my family, a very Happy and Blessed Easter.  I wish I was there to share it with you!

May God Bless All of You…

This is 2007’s theme for World Health Day, which is being celebrated today around the world.  The purpose of the day is to recognize the need to “invest in health, build a safer future.”  With the commitment from international governments, organizations and businesses, we can collectively achieve a strong global health system.  One which would serve domestic interests by addressing the vulnerability to international health risks.

Enivornmental change is one of the eight issues being addressed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on global health.  Since just having spent a month trying to raise awareness and spark debate on this highly talked about subject, I figure it is only necessary to point this out.  Climate change not only affects the lives and populations of wildlife around the world, but it also directly affects our public health.  Without sincere appreciation for what we are doing to the earth and the environment, we are also ignoring the serious effects it will have on our health.  Climate change will lead to temperature related illnesses and deaths, water and foodborne diseases, vector-borne and rodent-borne diseases, food and water shortages, and mental, nutritional and infectious problems; as well as, health effects related to extreme weather and air pollution.   

Yet another reason to be an aware human being.

I know it’s hard to judge based on my posts (or lack there of), but this initiative to become an even more aware and conservative human being has taken on an identity of it’s own.  Seriously, I have become a bit obsessed with it.  I feel like it’s a 3rd job…but one that I really love and enjoy without being paid for. 

I wish I was more eloquent or capable of expressing myself through words than I am…because I am completely overwhelmed with thoughts, ideas and passion everytime I discover new information on this subject.  And since having first decided to dedicate this month to conservation and sustainability, I have literally run into the subject being discussed on every forum that I come in contact with.  No exaggeration.  Every. Single. Magazine. Newspaper. Website. You name it…it’s being covered.  Which somehow excites me even more.  Because when I began thinking about turning One Sweet World green this month, the wave of media coverage had not set in (or at least not enough to make special note of).  It almost feels like I was on the pulse of the next ”big” thing.  Don’t get me wrong…I don’t think for one minute that I sparked any sort of revolution; however, I have found personal satisfaction knowing that I had already decided to cover this subject before the media blitz began.

The main objective for this month was not to try and convince you one way or another about global warming or climate change or carbon dioxide emissions, but to merely try and educate you on how to become more aware of your place on this earth.  However you choose to take the information and apply it to your daily life is your decision.  There will always be the naysayers and skeptics when speaking of global warming and our contribution to it.  Arguing this issue is like trying to win a debate on religion or politics…not gonna happen.  But really, how terrible would it be to become more conscientous and responsible consumers and people in general.  Focusing less on quantity and more on quality - in all facets of life. 

With that said, March has somehow come and gone in a blink of an eye…and I got no where near the amount of information to you as I had planned.  Life tends to get in the way like that.  But as I see it, this initiative is not a passing thing.  Lessening our impact on this planet is an ongoing, forever-long committment.  We HAVE to change our habits NOW, in order for our children and future generations to live and prosper as they deserve.  We are so consumed with ourselves, selfishly making our lives comfortable and convenient at any cost.  But there is always a price, which I feel alot of people are choosing not to acknowledge or believe.

I’m not asking or even expecting you to overhaul your life with drastic changes.  My plea is for you to open your eyes to what’s happening around you and figure out how you can make some sort of contribution to changing YOUR environment.  This is YOUR environment and planet.  This is YOUR future and the future of YOUR children.  We are ALL in this together.  And TOGETHER is the only way we’re going to see a difference.  Start small, and you will soon see how good it makes you feel.  I promise.

Take advantage of the internet and endless resources that it offers.  Educate yourself.  Knowledge is power.  And it’s so much fun coming across really great websites and blogs!  Like I just happen to right now…a new blog that I can already see is going to become one of my “Sweet Addictions.”  Which I found while perusing this site.

Just because March is over…don’t think that this is the end of this conversation.  As Will Steger, legendary polar explorer turned environmental activist, said during a presentation before a California student body, “Global warming is all you’re going to hear about for the rest of your lives.”  So true.  And we might as well sit up and listen…it directly affects all of us.